Full text from image above: As the sole income-earner, and mom, I needed to make a living and support my family.

I knew I wasn’t going to be able to work as a performer or freelance director, at least not at this time in my life. I needed to find steady work.

I had applied to do my MFA so I could teach and make a living. But APT felt like the best way to use the skills that I already had, and refine them. So I ended up doing both that year. I came away feeling like APT was way more valuable.

It was a crash-course in meeting everybody. They brought in people from interesting companies. We learned about community engagement, and partnering with other organizations, which was something I wouldn’t have thought of before.

It opened my eyes to the opportunities that can come from community-engaged art, and why we do this.

There’s still so much to learn, but I’m feeling pretty confident. That’s a pretty amazing thing. I am on the right track.

APT brought me into the supportive indie community. I got a full-time job, a steady job. I feel optimistic now.